Penile prosthesis in London

A penile prosthesis, also known as a penile implant, is a medical device surgically implanted into the penis of a man who has end stage erectile dysfunction (ED) or other conditions affecting the ability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. 

Before considering an implant, all men should try all the other options available:

1. Oral medications such as PDE5-inhibitors, such as Viagra(sildenafil), Cialis(tadalafil)
2. Vacuum devices
3. Penile intracavernosal injections

Once these have all failed or have been found to be not suitable for them, a penile prosthesis may be considered.

Assessment and Counselling:

Medical Evaluation: Pippa Sangster will take a full history and perform a thorough examination. She will walk you through all the other treatment options, as discussed above.

Psychosexual counselling: Men may find psychological evaluation helpful to ensure they understand the implications and potential outcomes of the surgery. Although this is not a necessity.

Discussion of Options: Pippa will discuss the different types of penile implants available, their benefits, risks, and potential complications. There are a number of types and brands available.

Risks and complications:

1. Infection: One of the most significant risks associated with penile implant surgery is infection. Infections can occur at the site of surgery and may require removal of the implant.
2. Mechanical failure: Penile implants are mechanical devices, and like any mechanical device, they can fail over time. This may necessitate additional surgery to repair or replace the implant.
3. Implant migration or erosion: In some cases, the implant may migrate from its intended position or erode through the tissues of the penis, leading to discomfort or pain.
4. Pain: Pain at the surgical site is common after penile implant surgery. While this usually resolves with time, some individuals may experience chronic pain.
5. Changes in sensation: Some men may experience changes in sensation, such as decreased sensitivity or numbness in the penis, following penile implant surgery.
6. Penile shortening or curvature: Penile implants will not increase the length of the penis or restore the length if you have noticed a shorter penis secondary to Peyronie’s Disease
7. Reduced blood supply to head of the penis  – the glans of the penis may lack the engorgement (filling of blood) that you would have had as a younger man. There are other medical treatments that may be tried if you notice this as a problem after implant insertion.
8. Difficulty with ejaculation: Penile implants may interfere with ejaculation in some men, leading to difficulties with orgasm or changes in ejaculatory function.
9. Emotional or psychological issues: Some men may experience emotional or psychological difficulties following penile implant surgery, such as anxiety, depression, or changes in self-esteem.
10. Device visibility or palpability: Depending on the type of implant used, there may be visible or palpable components of the device under the skin of the penis, which could affect the aesthetic appearance.

It’s important for individuals considering penile implant surgery to discuss all these risks and potential complications with Miss Sangster and to weigh them against the potential benefits of the procedure. 

Types of Penile Implants:

1. Inflatable Penile Implant: This type of implant consists of two inflatable cylinders placed within the penis, a fluid reservoir implanted in the abdomen, and a pump placed inside the scrotum. When the pump is squeezed, fluid is transferred from the reservoir into the cylinders, causing the penis to become erect. To return the penis to its flaccid state, the pump is squeezed again to release the fluid back into the reservoir.
2. Malleable Penile Implant: Also known as a semi-rigid implant, this type consists of bendable rods implanted within the penis. The penis remains semi-rigid but can be positioned upwards for intercourse and downwards for concealment.